Village Capital supports startups tackling food loss and waste across Latin America. The 2026 program specifically targets eight early-stage startups using data and AI to optimize food distribution, prevent loss in production, or empower consumers to reduce waste. Eligible applicants must be legally incorporated as for-profit entities in at least one Latin American country. While the primary value of the program lies in intensive investment-readiness training, mentorship, and access to a Mexico City summit, participants also receive milestone-based funding, which in previous cycles has been approximately US$4,400 per startup. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is 27 March 2026. Link
awards/prizes
Egis Foundation — Climate Challenge
The Egis Foundation invites applications for the Team Up for Climate challenge to develop innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and resilience. This global competition is open to teams of two to five members consisting of current students or recent graduates from any country and academic discipline. Participants must propose an actionable project focused on a specific local area they know well. The first-place team receives €4,000 plus a €5,000 boost prize after six months of development and a study trip to Paris, while second and third-place winners receive €3,000 and €2,000 respectively in total funding. The deadline for applications is 28 March 2026. Climate Challenge
Logitech — Future Positive Challenge 2026
Logitech invites applications for the Future Positive Challenge to identify next-generation solutions for sustainable consumer electronics. The program seeks startups and scaling companies with innovative technologies in printed electronics, battery alternatives, advanced thermal materials, and sustainable packaging. Eligible applicants must have a working prototype or a solution ready for market integration globally. Winners may receive a share of a US$500 thousand prize pool to support further development and potential commercial partnership with Logitech. The deadline for applications is 07 April 2026. Future Positive Challenge
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards — Wildlife Photography Competition
The competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it through funny animal pictures. The competition is open to wildlife photography novices, amateurs, and professionals. Winners receive prizes (no cash awards). The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Comedy Wildlife
VivaTech — Next Startupper Award
VivaTech organizes the Next Startupper Award to celebrate student entrepreneurs driving positive change through technological innovation. The competition is open to current students from any country who have founded a tech-oriented startup or project less than three years ago that demonstrates a clear social or environmental impact. Finalists receive four-day VIP speaker passes to the event in Paris and the opportunity to pitch their solutions to industry experts. The grand prize winner receives a €5,000 cash prize and a dedicated startup corner at the 2027 edition of VivaTech. The deadline for applications is 09 March 2026. More information
European Training Foundation — Green Skills Award 2026
The European Training Foundation (ETF) invites applications for the Green Skills Award 2026 to recognize excellence in developing skills for the low-carbon economy. The award is open to a wide range of applicants, including schools, training centers, businesses, NGOs, and government agencies, particularly from ETF partner countries (South and Eastern Mediterranean, Western Balkans and Türkiye, Eastern Partnership, and Central Asia). The program highlights innovative projects that help workers and students adapt to the green transition. Ten finalists will be selected to participate in a high-level event, and three winners will receive an award. The deadline for applications is 27 March 2026. Green Skills Award
International Water Association — Project Innovation Award
The International Water Association (IWA) invites entries for its 2026 Project Innovation Awards, which recognize excellence in water management, research, and technology. The awards are open to organizations and teams worldwide that have delivered impactful projects across six categories, including drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and water resources management. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, winners receive global recognition, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded at the IWA World Water Congress in Glasgow. Preliminary applications must be submitted by 27 March 2026. Project Innovation Award
United Nations Environment Program — Young Champions of the Earth
The Young Champions of the Earth honors environmental entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the planet. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 from all global regions are eligible to apply, provided they have at least six months of experience working on their environmental project. Winners receive US$10 thousand in funding, along with mentorship, workshops, and a smartphone multimedia production kit to document their progress over a one-year period. Additionally, winners may compete in a pitch competition for a Planet A grant of up to US$100 thousand. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Young Champions of the Earth
World Food Forum — Startup Innovation Awards
The World Food Forum invites young entrepreneurs to apply for its Startup Innovation Awards. The program highlights youth-led startups using technology to transform agrifood systems, end global hunger, and meet sustainable development goals. Eligibility is limited to startups with at least one founder or executive between 18 and 35 years old. Award winners receive at least US$7,500 per category, while the overall “Startup of the Year” receives an additional US$10 thousand prize. Applications are open globally and must be submitted by 01 April 2026. WFF Startup Innovation Awards
The Iris Project — Prize for Nature Conservation
The Iris Prize celebrates and supports young people accelerating action to protect and restore nature. The Iris Project awards three grants each year: US$5,000 for ages 14-24 awarded for a new idea; US$10 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an existing project; US$15 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an established project. Application is open to individuals, teams and organizations from all around the world. Applications are open until 08 April 2026. About the prize